Every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
-Pablo Picasso.

In my suitcase are 80 heart panels that I’ve shlepped with me to South America for the Hearts of the World project. These hearts are for children to fill in with their passions, hopes, and dreams for life. I host the project in every place I travel and I am collecting the hearts to eventually create an exhibition and book that represents the hearts of the children of the world.

Sometimes adults paint in the hearts too. Last night an impromptu H.O.W workshop materialized in my living room here in Rio de Janeiro and my friends Maya and Ariel painted their hearts.

     

The hearts of Maya Haddad and Ariel Segatto

Maya and her electric heart

Maya painted red zig-zag shapes inside of her heart and stars flowing out of it. Ariel collaborated with his pooch, Ralphie, dipping his paws in periwinkle blue and pressing them on the canvas. He painted in his heart full of bright colors and texture and put a chicken in the corner (for Ralphie). It is Ariel’s second painting ever, his first being a rocket ship he painted when he was eight years old.

Ariel collaborating with his dog, Ralphie

Ariel and his vibrant heart
One of my favorite things in the world is to make art with people who rarely get to paint, have never painted before or never thought they could. So many have the potential to be great artists, if they will only let themselves believe it or give themselves the space to try. It’s usually a lot easier (and more fun) than they thought. Especially when they are able to throw fear and expectation out the window and paint freely without taking themselves or the painting too seriously.

The main thing is simply to enjoy!